About a month or so into the official release of the Italia 458
Challenge and it is here for review. This is an XB kit, it includes just about all you
need to get on the road running. The expert built series (XB) saves you a
lot of time building and painting and lets you enjoy driving as soon as you get
home by just adding 4 AA batteries to the controller. Even an experience builder can enjoy the saved time.
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| 2013 TT02 Italia 458 Challenge by Tamiya |
Pros.
The price is really reasonable allowing anyone to get into
this enjoyable hobby.
So what’s in the box? You get the new TT02 prebuilt chassis,
with an (ESC) electronic speed controller, a steering servo, 2.4 GHz receiver
and stock motor ready installed. The whole setup is already done for you. At
a glance the design is very clean. The entire system is easily accessible for
routine maintenance. The Chassis on and
off switch is located conveniently so it can be switched easily with the body
on. The chassis is well molded and rigid giving you a sturdy drive.
Cons.
The questionable parts seem to be around the wheel areas.
This includes the wheel hub axels and disc break plastic parts. They look to be
vulnerable to breakage from an accidental crash or wear and tear. Some of the cheaper looking parts are most
likely used to keep the price down. Optional parts are left up to you. The body is great, well painted and decaled also flexible
enough to absorb those bumpy occasions. But the flimsy part is the side view
mirrors. They lose their position easily and rotate a bit due to vibration and are easily
disturbed by touching them. Take extra precaution when removing the car from a bag, so they don't get torn out.
Overall this body and chassis looks and drives great right
out the box. Get ready to enjoy power slides and drifting
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| Unboxed |
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| Under the hood |
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| Quick access to electronics |
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| Front Wheel Assembly |
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| TT02 Rear Suspension |
Ferrari 458 challenge TT02 First Run
Out of the box bare bones first run.
It drives very smooth good handling. Brakes pretty well, good control.
